Stanford: Songs of the Fleet / Songs of the Sea / A Ballad of the Fleet
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CHARLES VILLIERS STANFORD
Stanford: Songs of the Fleet / Songs of the Sea / A Ballad of the Fleet
Gerald Finley (baritone) / BBC National Chorus of Wales / BBC National Orchestra of Wales / Richard Hickox
[ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD ]
Release Date: Monday 1 May 2006
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This release contains two of Stanford's famous song cycles, the complete Songs of the Sea and Songs of the Fleet to words by Sir Henry Newbolt wonderfully performed here by Gerald Finley, and the only available recording of The Revenge: A ballad of the Fleet.
Stanford was particularly known in his day for his choral works and declared that the poem should always remain the principal consideration, governing all other artistic decisions. He derived some of his most stirring emotions from settings of maritime texts. The fearless constancy and bravery of the Royal Navy clearly motivated Stanford. All the works performed here use poems inspired by the Royal Navy and employing rich imagery of England's naval past.
Abounding with vivid orchestral portrayals, Stanford's great choral piece The Revenge: A Ballad of the Fleet depicts the vivid narrative of Tennyson's poem of that name with operatic skill. Hickox with his excellent forces directs a performance which is a 'must' for all lovers of British music.
Hybrid surround-sound SACD plays on normal CD players
1001 Classical recordings you must hear before you die (1901-1950)
GRAMOPHONE MAGAZINE AWARD WINNER 2006: Choral Recording
"An out-and-out winner, with Finley on top form - heartily recommended! His charisma, allied to that marvellously pliant baritone (he lunges into the centre of each note with the keenest of aims), provides an ideal mixture of force and elegance. Hickox's conducting is thrilling and, yes, moving."
(Recording of the Month Gramophone July 2006)
Tracks:
Songs of the Fleet, Op. 117
The Revenge: A Ballad of the Fleet, Op. 24
Songs of the Sea, Op. 91
